Our Ensembles

The InterSchool Orchestras of New York offers five orchestras, a symphonic band, and a chamber music program. The ISO Symphony is a full-scholarship ensemble for advanced students. Placement in the Symphonic Band, Concert and Carnegie Hill orchestras, for advanced-intermediate and intermediate musicians, is determined by  audition. Beginning  young instrumentalists play in the ISO at Turtle Bay and Morningside orchestras. Approximately 300 children, aged 6-20, come from approximately 120 public and independent schools to participate each year in this exciting program of training and performance. More than half of all orchestra members receive full or partial scholarships.

The ISO Chamber Music Program is a 24 session program for musicians aged 8-20. After completing a successful audition, students of all levels are offered the opportunity to play in ensembles of duos, trios, quartets and quintets (some with piano) that are carefully matched for compatibility and led by a professional Chamber Music coach. The role of the Chamber music coach is to help students acquire ensemble skills in order to play repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary music. Ensembles have opportunities to perform in concerts and master classes. Applicants for the chamber music program are not required to be a member of one of the ISO orchestras, although very often they are.